The Eye Foundation

About The Eye Foundation

Founded in 1997 by Dr. D. Ramamurthy, The Eye Foundation is a chain of super-specialty eye hospitals headquartered in Coimbatore, India. Dr. Ramamurthy, an ophthalmologist with an MD from R.P. Center, AIIMS, New Delhi, established the hospital after working as a Vitreoretinal consultant in Chennai. He has served as the President of both the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) and the Tamilnadu Ophthalmic Association (TNOA).

The Eye Foundation operates as a chain of over 25 eye care hospitals across the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, treating more than one million patients annually. The business model is centered on providing comprehensive, specialized ophthalmic services in both urban and semi-urban markets. Its revenue, as of March 31, 2023, was in the range of INR 100 cr - 500 cr. In October 2025, the company secured its first external funding, raising $75 million from the investment firm Verlinvest for a minority stake to fuel expansion through new centers and acquisitions.

The hospitals offer a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine examinations to complex surgeries. Key service categories include cataract surgery, LASIK and refractive procedures (SMILE, SILK, Contoura), and treatments for retina, glaucoma, and cornea conditions. The institution has been a pioneer in adopting new technology in India, being among the first to introduce LASIK in 1997, bladeless IntraLASE, the Constellation vitrectomy system, and LensX laser-refractive cataract surgery. Most of its hospitals are compliant with the standards of the National Accreditation Board of Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). The organization also has an academic arm that trains doctors, optometrists, and paramedical staff.